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Lifting the Inch Dumbbell

1970

Cat no. 214595

BBC East report on a pub competition to lift the infamous Tommy Inch dumbbell.

BBC Look East report on a pub competition hosted by actor, bodybuilder and weightlifter David Prowse in which the audience is challenged to lift the infamous Tommy Inch dumbbell. The report begins with Prowse struggling to raise the 172lb dumbbell with one hand, before lifting it high above his head with both hands. Prowse introduces the dumbbell to the crowd, claiming that British strongman Thomas Inch used to lift it above his head with one hand every day until he was 60. For this competition, Prowse challenges members of the audience to lift the Inch dumbbell off the ground with one hand and place it on a pile of telephone directories. Prowse makes an unsuccessful attempt, followed by a series of challengers, all of whom fail to lift the dumbbell off the ground. Speaking to the reporter, Prowse describes his vital statistics (6 ft 7 in, 19 stone), his background as a bodybuilder and competitive weightlifter (including three years as the British heavyweight champion), and his current career running a fitness club in London. He also discusses the difficulty of lifting the dumbbell, which requires 'a big hand and a terrifically strong grip'. The reporter makes an unsuccessful attempt to lift the dumbbell under Prowse's instruction, before suggesting that someone 'much prettier' should have a try. The report concludes with Prowse's miniskirt-wearing assistant making a series of unsuccessful attempts.

Keywords

Competitions; Public houses; Strongmen

Background Information

Further information about the Inch Dumbbell (including the David Prowse connection) can be found here: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/ironhistory1.htm

Manifestations

Lifting the Inch Dumbbell

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